Welcome to the Winter Olympics!
The 2026 Milano Cortina Games have officially kicked off. And while some sports competitions have already started, many viewers are looking to today's opening ceremony as the real launch. The event is held at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, where over 80,000 spectators filled the arena.
The ceremony features headliners like singer Mariah Carey, famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Golden Globe-winning singer Laura Pausini, and White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore. It is meant to be a celebration not only of the Olympic Games and spirit, but also of Italy and its contributions to the world.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, queer stars made waves when drag queens, including Nicky Doll, were included in a runway portion and "Last Supper" tribute at the opening ceremony. What queer moments will make this year's Olympic kickoff stand out? Find out ahead!
Mary Carillo
Originally, Today show host Samantha Guthrie was slated to be one of the hosts for American coverage of the opening, but after her mother went missing, she was replaced by queer sportscaster Mary Carillo. Carillo, who came out in 2014, has previously covered the Olympics throughout the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s. She is cohosting NBC's coverage with Terry Gannon.
Rainbow of Art (and Opera)
In a celebration of Italian art that included opera, painting, commedia dell'arte, architecture, and espresso, the opening ceremony stage turned into a colorful rainbow. Costumed dancers in monochrome outfits swirled around the stage, creating a beautiful prism of choreography as giant paint tubes poured reds, yellows, and blues.
After the colors matched up, an Italian disco song started playing, making it so much more gay.
Mariah Carey
Italy is known for its divas, and Mariah Carey is one of the greatest divas of all time! At the Olympic opening ceremony, she sang the classic Italian song "Nel blu, dipinto di blu," also known as "Volare" in Italian, as well as her song, "Nothing Is Impossible" in English.
C*nty Sunglasses
During the Parade of Athletes, where the Olympic teams from each nation carry their flags through the stadium, each country is preceded by an impeccably dressed woman holding a card with the country's name in Italian. This card-carrier is wearing one of the c*ntiest outfits of the Winter Olympics: a floor-length, wraparound silver puffy jacket and giant ski-goggle-esque sunglasses, much like the ones Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Angie Katsanevas is known for!
Tribute to Armani
The Opening Ceremony included a tribute to the late Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who died this past September at the age of 91. In the ceremony, three rows of models walked wearing green, white, and red Armani suits to make the Italian flag.
Sabrina Impacciatore Clowning Around
After a disappointing and very un-gay AI-animated segment, Italian actress Sabrina Impacciatore came on stage. Impacciatore was nominated for an Emmy for playing lesbian hotel manager Valentina on The White Lotus, and at the Opening Ceremony, she got to show off her comedic and dancing skills, performing to multiple numbers, including Adriano Celentano's 1973 Italian novelty song, "Prisencolinensinainciusol."
